the bottom line
Meaning: The net result (sentence 1), or the simple and irrefutable truth (sentence 2).
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The expression is often used to describe a monetary figure (sentence 1), but it also describes the basic, (supposedly) undeniable truth of an argument (sentence 2). The expression probably originates from the accounting practice of adding together the profits and subtracting the costs to arrive at a final figure under the bottom line on a spreadsheet or in a ledger or account book.
More idioms — Daily Life
- bottom of the barrel — The least able member of a group; the least desirable items from a collection.
- boxed in someone in — Restricted; to restrict someone.
- brainstorm — To generate many ideas quickly.
- breadwinner — Somebody that provides financially for his or her family.
- get someone the brush-off — To be dismissed casually and almost cruelly.
- give someone a bum steer — Bad advice or instructions.
More English idioms
- bottoms up! — A call to drink; to empty one's glass.
- bring down the house — To be a great success.
- burn rubber — To accelerate with tires so quickly from a stopped position that the rubber tires make a…
- burn the candle at both ends — To overwork oneself.
- burned out — Lacking enthusiasm due to overexposure or too much of the same thing; completely used up;…
- burning question — A question that deserves or demands discussion.
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